A Paradox Transformational Coaches and Leaders Know to Be True (And May Still Struggle to Heed the Wisdom)
January 27, 2025
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"The times are urgent. Let us slow down." Bayo Akomolafe
I share this quote on day one of my in-person The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop as we transition into closing routines.
Closing routines are often omitted from PD, and that’s a big miss. Frequently, facilitators run out of time because they try to pack in too much.
Instead of providing time at the end of the session for reflection, synthesis, and gratitude, they talk super fast and then rush to clean up materials while people are hurrying out of the room.
I’ve been there.
This behavior comes from a desire to maximize time, from the stress of knowing that there is so much people need to be able to do differently (yesterday!) and from a sense of urgency.
Transformation does not come from acting urgently or from a scarcity mindset.
Akomolafe concludes a beautiful open letter to activists, with the following:
“If we beat the system at its own game, we’ve lost. It is no longer time to rush through the contested world blinded by fury and anger – however worthwhile these are. Now, we think, is the time to ‘retreat’ into the real work of reclamation, to re-member again our humanity through the intimacy of our relationships. The time is very urgent – we must slow down.”
This week, I encourage you to reflect on how you can slow down and be open to all that becomes possible when you are more deeply rooted in yourself, our shared humanity, and in relationships.
Keep Learning:
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- Reduce urgency by having a plan. Download our free Day-Of Checklist
- Want four sets of questions to transform your PD practice? Listen to Elena's post-PD reflection in Episode 171 of the Bright Morning Podcast
- Learn how to create adult learning spaces where participants feel seen, cared for, challenged, and excited to learn by attending The PD Workshop
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